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Need a greater understanding of common door hardware terminology? Besides impressing your friends with trivia, our glossary of terms can help you better understand the various door lock and security options Schlage offers.
ANSI
ANSI is short for the American National Standards Institute.
Backset
The distance from the edge of the door to the center line of the prep in the door.
Chassis
The body of the lock itself, without any trim.
Cylinder
The portion of a lock containing the plug with keyway and a body with the pin tumbler mechanism. The properly cut key allows the cylinder to rotate the driver mechanism which unlocks the lock.
Handing
A term used to indicate how a door swings. Left-handed lever: from the exterior, door hinges located on the left side. Right-handed lever: from the exterior, door hinges located on right side.
Latchbolt
A spring operated bolt with a beveled face to permit a latching action when the door closes.
Pin tumbler mechanism
Most key-operated locks provide limited access through the use of pin tumblers.
Trim
A circular trim plate attached to the door under the knob or lever.
Shear line
The area where the top surface of the plug and the cylinder housing meet. The height which the bottom pins must be raised by the key in order to rotate the key cylinder.
Spindle
The bar that connects knobs or levers through the door and operates the lock mechanism.
Our experts will keep you in-the-know.